A Letter To The Therapists

For when you are wearing to many hats

Burn out amongst therapist is so common. 

We have ALL heard to practice self-care to combat burnout, but how do you do that when your entire job is about sharing the burdens of your clients. How can you relax in a hot bath when thoughts of what your clients are experiencing run through your mind? We all know that doctors make the worst patients and therapists are no different. 

What do we do? 

Everyone one is different so just like we tell our clients you have to find what works for you. Try what I’m about to recommend, keep what works and chunk the rest. 

Just like many of you I am a mom, a stay-at-home mom, and a therapist. I wear many hats all of which require me to regulate someone’s emotions at all times. The thing about hats is you can only wear one at a time. So, while my mom hat is on, I won’t do therapy work or housework I’m there present with my kids. When I’m with a client, I make sure my kids are as safe and settled as possible and then I’m fully present with my clients. 

When things pop up (as they always do) if it’s at a time that overlaps and I don’t want to or can’t put on my therapist hat I won’t. As a teacher I learned that everyone feels like what they are experiencing is monumental and the end of the world and must be dealt with immediately. And in their head that is true and I completely understand that feeling. But to remain a good therapist you have to have boundaries. 

What about the high-risk clients? 

Make sure they have a plan other people to contact and hotline numbers. You are one piece of their support system; make sure they know how to reach the rest of their circle.

In short, I’m saying have boundaries give yourself space to carry only your burdens and not your clients, you are just as deserving of space and self-care as they are.